Senator Craig Hickman has introduced a bill to prohibit online sweepstakes games in Maine.

The bill aims to amend Maine state law to prohibit all online sweepstakes games that use a dual-currency system of payment and simulate casino-style gaming, sports betting or lotteries.

Violating the prohibition would put gaming licenses at risk and attract financial penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

Operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game or supporting the operation or promotion of an online sweepstakes game would constitute illegal gambling.

SP 825 was introduced on December 3 and referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on December 5.

The bill is similar to legislation that came into force in New York on December 5.